The European Union and the United Nations are stepping up support for programmes aimed at reducing poverty and closing gaps in healthcare and education in Nigeria’s northwestern Sokoto State, officials said.
Representatives of the European Union and the United Nations said the renewed support targets vulnerable communities through expanded social protection, primary healthcare delivery and improved access to basic education.
The initiatives, they said, are designed to strengthen local systems, support women and children, and build resilience in communities facing high poverty levels, poor health indicators and low school enrollment.
Sokoto State officials welcomed the intervention, saying international partnerships remain critical to addressing longstanding development challenges in the region. They said the programmes align with the state government’s priorities in healthcare, education and economic empowerment.
Northern Nigeria continues to record some of the country’s worst poverty and maternal and child health outcomes, alongside high rates of out-of-school children. Development partners say coordinated efforts with state authorities are essential to achieving sustainable results.
The EU and UN said implementation would involve collaboration with government agencies, civil society groups and local communities, with an emphasis on accountability and measurable impact.
